Collapsible Utility Cart

ABSTRACT

A cart includes a platform assembly, a handle assembly, first wheel assembly and a second wheel assembly. In use, the cart may folded from a deployed position in which it rolls along a surface to transport items, to a stowed position, in which it is collapsed in a compact geometry for storage. The cart may be further integrated into a chair, chaise lounge, garden cart, bicycle utility cart or a bicycle passenger cart.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/705,753, filed Sep. 26, 2012, Attorney DocketNo. 1661.0005P, entitled “Collapsible Utility Cart,” the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed toward a collapsible utility cart and, inparticular, a cart having foldable wheel assemblies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional wheel assemblies typically include a wheel attached to apiece which in turn was pivotally attached to the frame of the cart.When the cart was deployed, the wheel assembly would be pivoted to restagainst the bottom surface of the cart. These types of carts suffer fromthe limitation that the length of each wheel assembly (assuming each hasthe same length) is limited by the width of the cart. Otherwise, if thewheel assemblies are too long, they will impede each other from folding.If the width of the cart is increased to accommodate such wheelassemblies, the compactness of the cart will be reduced.

For many of these carts, the piece of the wheel assembly to which thewheel is attached consists of a single wall because the diameter of thewheels is too great to have a dual wall wheel assembly that can bepivotally attached to the frame of the cart. If the cart is carrying aheavy load, the single wall attachment piece may buckle if excessivelateral or sideways stress is placed upon the piece. Such a situationmay exist if the cart tips slightly or is traveling on a slanted oruneven surface.

It would thus be desirable to provide a cart that can be adapted to havehigh ground clearance and compactness with wheel assemblies that willnot easily buckle if the cart experiences tipping or travels on aslanted or uneven surface. It would be additionally desirable for such acart to have a backstop for which an obtuse angle of recline can beselected and maintained and to have side rails.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward a reconfigurable cart includinga platform assembly, a handle assembly, a first wheel assembly, and asecond wheel assembly. In use, the cart may folded from a deployedposition in which it rolls along a surface to transport items, to astowed position, in which it is collapsed in a compact geometry forstorage. The cart may be further integrated into a chair, chaise lounge,garden cart, bicycle utility cart or a bicycle passenger cart.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a cart in accordance with anembodiment of the invention, showing the cart in its deployedconfiguration.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of the frame of the cart shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the cart frame shown inFIG. 2A

FIG. 2C illustrates a side view in elevation of the cart frame shown inFIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D illustrates a perspective view of a bracket member, shown inisolation.

FIG. 2E illustrates a close of view of connection between the handleassembly and the support assembly.

FIG. 2F illustrates the handle assembly with the support member in itscollapsed position.

FIG. 3 illustrates an isolated view of the support assembly of the cartshown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate perspective views of the armrest assembly,shown in isolation.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate cross-sectional views of the cart, showingthe components of the wheel assembly in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 5C illustrates the wheel assembly of the cart, with the wheelremoved for clarity.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the wheel assembly.

FIG. 7 illustrates the wheel assembly of FIG. 5A, further showing alocking pin connection.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a wheel assembly in accordance with anembodiment of the invention, showing stop posts configured to limit thevertical movement of the wheel assembly on the frame.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a wheel assembly in accordance with anembodiment of the invention, showing a locking pin configured to limitthe vertical movement of the wheel assembly on the frame.

FIGS. 10-15 illustrate the reconfiguration of the cart from its stowedconfiguration to its deployed configuration. Specifically, FIGS. 10A-10Eshow the deployment of the handle assembly, FIGS. 11A-11C show thedeployment of the wheel assemblies, FIGS. 12A-12C show the deployment ofthe armrest assemblies, FIGS. 13A-13D show the deployment of thebackrest, and FIGS. 14A-14C and FIGS. 15A-15C show the deployment of thearmrest.

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate a supporting assembly in accordance withanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a reconfigurable cart in accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of the cart shown in FIG. 17, with theside post of the supporting assembly shown in isolation.

FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate a perspective view of the handle assemblyin accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of a cart in accordance withanother embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate a perspective view of a cart in accordancewith another embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate a perspective view of a cart in accordancewith another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of a cart in accordance withanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of a cart in accordance withanother embodiment of the invention, showing the cart in its deployedconfiguration.

FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of a cart shown in FIG. 24 withthe wheels removed for clarity.

FIG. 26 illustrates the wheel assembly of the cart shown in FIG. 24,with the wheel removed for clarity.

FIGS. 27A-27E illustrate the disengagement of the wheel from the frameof the cart shown in FIG. 24.

FIGS. 28A-28E illustrate the folding process of the cart shown in FIG.24.

FIGS. 29A-29D illustrate the deployment of the handle and supportingplatform of the cart shown in FIG. 24 so the cart may be used as achair.

FIG. 30 illustrates an exploded view of the handle arms and snap buttonof the handle of the cart shown in FIG. 24.

FIGS. 31A-31B illustrate a wheel assembly of a cart in accordance withanother embodiment of the invention, the wheel assembly being shown in adeployed and stowed configuration.

FIGS. 32A-32C illustrate the engagement of the wheel with the wheelassembly of the cart in accordance with another embodiment theinvention.

FIGS. 33A-33B illustrate the connection of a handle with a leg connectorof a cart in accordance with another embodiment of the invention,showing the handle arm being reconfigurable between a first and a secondconfiguration.

FIGS. 34A-34C illustrate the wheel assembly of the cart in accordancewith another embodiment the invention where the axles are slide betweena stowed and a deployed position.

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elementsthroughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in an embodiment, the cart 10 includes aframe 100 defining a support or platform assembly 105, a handle assembly110 coupled to the forward portion of the support assembly, and first115A and second 115B wheel assemblies coupled to the rearward portion ofthe support assembly. The frame 100 may be formed of any materialsuitable for its described purpose. By way of example, the frame may beformed of generally cylindrical hollow bars formed of metal.

The cart 10 may further include supporting members 120A, 120B, 120Cdisposed on selected locations along the frame. The supporting members120A, 120B, 120C may each define a generally planar member having a topsurface and a bottom surface. The supporting members 120A, 120B, 120Ceach provides a support surface on which to place and carry items. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the supporting members define a seating orsupport surfaces operable to support a user seated therein or to supportgoods during transport. The material forming the supporting members120A, 120B, 120C may include soft goods material such as cloth, canvas,mesh, etc. As another example of soft goods material, a plurality offlexible plastic strips similar to those utilized in patio and poolfurniture can be utilized to form a resting or carrying surface. In anembodiment, the supporting material may be sewn so that it spans a gapexisting within the frame 100. The supporting members may also be formedof rigid material such as sheet metal, hard plastic (e.g., polypropyleneor polystyrene) or other material such as wood.

Referring to FIG. 3, the support assembly 105 includes a seat member 305and a seatback member 310. In an embodiment, the seat member 305 of theframe 100 includes a generally U-shaped bar (e.g., a generally hollow,cylindrical bar) defined by a first arm or portion 315A and a second armor portion 315B laterally spaced from the first arm by a medial portionor crossbar 315C. Similarly, the seatback member 310 of the frame 100includes a generally U-shaped bar (e.g., a generally hollow, cylindricalbar) defined by a first arm or portion 320A and a second arm or portion320B laterally spaced from the first arm by a medial portion or crossbar320C.

The seatback member 310 is pivotally coupled to the seat member 305.Specifically, the distal portion (e.g., the distal end) of the firstseatback arm 320A is pivotally coupled to the first seat arm 315A via afirst seating connector 325 disposed proximate the seat intermediateportion 315C. Similarly, the distal portion (e.g., the distal end) ofthe second seatback arm 320B is pivotally coupled to the second seat arm315B via a second seating connector 330 disposed proximate the seatintermediate portion 315C. Each seating connector 325, 330 may be agenerally U-shaped connector having an arcuate medial portion contouredto the bars forming the seat member. When mounted on the seat member305, moreover, the seating connectors 325, 330 are oriented generallyupright such that the arms of the “U” extend above the seating surface(as defined by supporting member 120B). In their deployed positions, theseat member 305 is oriented in a generally horizontal position, whilethe seatback member 310 is disposed in a generally vertical position(e.g., it may be oriented slightly angularly offset from vertical). Withthis configuration, the seat member 305 and the seatback member 310define the seating or supporting area of the cart, being configured tosupport a user seated therein (or an object placed thereon).

The support assembly 105 of the frame 100 further includes a legassembly with a first or forward leg member 335 and a second or rearwardleg member 340. The forward leg member 335 may be in the form of agenerally U-shaped bar (e.g., a generally hollow, cylindrical bar)including a first upright arm or portion 345A laterally spaced from asecond upright arm or portion 345B by a medial or crossbar portion 345C.Similarly, the second leg member 340 may be in the form of a generallyU-shaped bar (e.g., a hollow cylinder) including a first upright arm orportion 350A laterally spaced from a second upright arm portion 350B byan intermediate portion or crossbar 350C. When the cart is in itsdeployed position, the crossbars 345C, 350C contact the supportingsurface (e.g., the ground).

One or both leg members 335, 340 may further include a cross brace 347operable to provide additional support to the leg member. In anembodiment, the cross brace 347 on the forward leg member 335 isattached to the rear side of member (i.e., the side facing the rear legmember 340 when the cart is in its deployed position). In suchembodiments, the forward cross brace 347 may not be attached directly toarms 345A, 345B of the forward leg 335, but may instead be separatedfrom forward leg member by a bushing or other means. The gap created bythe bushings between the arms 345A, 345B of the forward leg member 335and the forward cross brace 347 creates sufficient clearance betweencross brace 347 and the seat member 305 for the forward leg to fold intoa plane that is generally parallel to the plane defined by the seatmember. Without the bushings, forward cross brace 347 may impede thefolding of the forward leg member 335 against the seat member 305,causing the forward leg member 335 to protrude when the cart is stowed,thereby reducing the compactness of the cart in its stowedconfiguration.

Each of the first 335 and second 340 leg members is pivotally coupled tothe seat member 305 via leg member connectors. Specifically, the firstarm 345A of the forward leg member 335 is coupled to the first arm 315Aof the seat member 305 (proximate the forward (distal) portion of theseat member first arm 315A) via a first forward leg connector 355A,while the second arm 345B of the forward leg member 335 is coupled tothe second arm 315B of the seat member 305 (proximate the forward(distal) portion of the seat member second arm 315B) via a secondforward leg connector 355B.

Similarly, the first arm 350A of the rearward leg member 340 is coupledto the first arm 315A of the seat member 305 (proximate the intermediateportion 315C of the seat section first arm 315A) via a first rearwardleg connector 360A, while the second arm 350B of the rearward leg member340 is coupled to the second arm 315B of the seat member 305 (proximatethe intermediate portion 315C of the seat member second arm 315B) via asecond rearward leg connector 360B. The leg connectors 355A, 355B, 360A,360B may be generally U-shaped connectors defining arms and an arcuatemedial portion contoured to the curve of the bar forming the leg memberportions 350A-350C. As illustrated, each forward leg connector 355A,355B is oriented forward, while the rearward leg connector 360A, 360B ispositioned such that the arms of the connector extend downward, and thedistal portions of the arms are disposed below the seating surface(i.e., below seat member 305). It should be understood that whileU-shaped leg connectors 355A, 355B, 360A, 360B are illustrated, variousother means can be used to couple the leg members 335, 340 to the seatmember at a point below the seat member.

In their deployed position, the leg members 335, 340 are attached toseat member 305 so that the leg member arms 345A, 345B, 350A, 350Bextend below seat member 305 in a manner that is generally perpendicularto the plane defined by the seat member. As noted above, the leg memberarms 345A, 345B, 350A, 350B are pivotally attached to the seat member305; consequently, the leg members 335, 340 may be pivoted from theirdeployed configuration to their stowed configuration, in which the legmembers are oriented generally parallel to the plane defined by the seatmember 305. In an embodiment, the arms of the leg members 335, 340 couldinclude separate pieces, each piece individually and pivotally attachedto its corresponding connector 355A, 355B, 360A, 360B.

The support assembly 105 further includes one or more armrest assembliesoperable to support the arms of a user seated within the supportassembly. The armrest assemblies may be coupled to the leg members 335,340 such that a first armrest assembly 365A spans and is supported bythe first arms 345A, 350A of the forward 335 and rearward 340 legmembers, and such that a second armrest assembly 365B spans and issupported by the second arms 345B, 350B of the forward 335 and rearward340 leg members. As seen best in FIGS. 4A and 4B, each armrest assembly365A, 365B includes a lower armrest support member 370A, 370B and anupper armrest 375A, 375B. The lower armrest support 370A, 370B ispivotally coupled to the distal ends of its corresponding leg member arm345A, 345B, 350A, 350B. By way of example, the distal (upper) end ofeach leg member arm 345A, 345B, 350A, 350B may be pivotally coupled tothe armrest supports 370A, 370B via a pin extending though apertures 405formed into the armrest support.

Each armrest assembly 365A, 365B further includes a clamp 380A, 380Bincluding a coupling ring 382A, 382B coupled to arms 320A, 320B of theseatback member 310 and an extension 384 pivotally coupled to therearward portion of each armrest 375A, 375B along a pivot point PP. Thecoupling ring 382A, 382B of the clamp 380A, 380B slidingly engages thearms 320A, 320B of the seatback member 310 to permit the repositioning(rotation) of the clamp (and thus the armrest coupled to the ring) aboutthe setback member arm 320A, 320B. The armrest assembly 365A, 365B alsoincludes an L-shaped guide bracket 385A, 385B configured to provideadditional support for the armrest. With this configuration, the armrest375A, 375B is configured to separate from the armrest support 370A,370B, selectively pivoting toward and away from the armrest support. Inaddition, the rotational position of the armrest about the seatbackmember 310 may be selectively adjusted.

The longitudinal positioning of the armrest 375A, 375B with respect tothe support 370A, 370B is also adjustable, and may be secured in adesired longitudinal position via a lock assembly including a notchedplate 390A, 390B secured to the armrest 375A, 375B and including aplurality of elongated, laterally-spaced slots 392. Each slot 392 mateswith a guide pin 395A, 395B extending from the armrest support 370A,370B. The distal end of the guide pin may be flanged or bent to bettermaintain the engagement of the notched plate 390A, 390B. In operation, auser pivots the armrest 375A, 375B downward, toward the armrest support370A, 370B, aligning the desired slot with the guide pin 395A, 395B andinserting the pin into the slot 392 to secure the armrest in the desiredposition. The longitudinal positioning of the armrest controls the angleof recline between the seatback member 310 and the seat member 305;consequently, adjusting the position of armrest 375A, 375B along thearmrest support 370A, 370B adjusts the angle of recline of the setbackmember 310 with respect to the seat member 305.

With the above described configuration, the clamps 380A, 380B may pivotalong a plane oriented generally perpendicular to seatback member 310.In some embodiments, to facilitate maintaining the clamps 380A, 380B inthe same vertical position on seatback member 310, the arms 320A, 320Bof the setback member 310 may include upper and lower protrusions ornubs to prevent the coupling ring from sliding up and down the arms.Additionally, the armrests 375A, 375B are pivotally attached to armcoupling rings 380A, 380B so that the armrests 375A, 375B pivot in aplane that is perpendicular to the plane in which coupling rings 380A,380B pivot. The ability of coupling rings 380A, 380B and armrests 375A,375B to rotate in a combination of two different planes allows armreststo lay flat in the middle of the spans between the backseat member 310and the seat member 305, thereby increasing the compactness of the cartwhen it is stowed.

Referring back to FIGS. 2A-2E, the handle assembly 110 includes a handlemember 205 and one or more cross bracket members 210A, 210B. The handlemember 205 may be a generally U-shaped bar (e.g., a hollow, generallycylindrical bar) defined by a first arm or portion 215A laterally spacedfrom a second arm or portion 215B via a medial portion or crossbar 215C.The distal portion of the handle first arm 215A is pivotally coupled tothe first arm 345A of the forward leg member 335 via the first forwardleg connector 355A. Similarly, the distal portion of the second arm 215Bof the handle member 205 is pivotally coupled to the second arm 345B ofthe forward leg member 335 via the second forward leg connector 355B.With this configuration, the handle member 205 pivots with respect tothe seat member 305 via the pivot connection P provided by the forwardleg connectors 355A, 355B. As shown, the distal ends of the handle arms215A, 215B are configured to overlap with the distal ends of the seatmember arms 315A, 315B, with the arms being oriented adjacent andgenerally parallel to each other in their deployed positions.

The handle assembly bracket members 210A, 210B are configured tostabilize the handle member. Referring to FIG. 2D, each bracket member210A, 210B may have a generally planar, elongated body 225 with L-shapedterminal ends 230, 235. The bracket members 210A, 210B may be adapted tosecure the rotational position of the handle member 205 with respect tothe seat member 305. Specifically, referring to FIG. 2E, the handleassembly bracket members 210A, 210B may include a fastener mechanismincluding a locking pin 240A, 240B and a connection plate 242A, 242B. Inthe embodiment illustrated, a connection plate 242A, 242B is pivotallymounted on each of the terminal ends 230, 235 of the first bracketmember 210A. The connection plate 242A, 242B extends rearward, towardthe forward leg connector 355A, 355B.

The connection plate 242A, 242B, the handle arm 215A, 215B, and the seatmember arm 315A, 315B each include an aperture A operable to the receivethe locking pin 240A, 240B. The apertures are oriented such that, whenthe distal ends of the arms 215A, 215B, 315A, 315B are oriented in theirdeployed position (i.e., the handle arms 215A, 215B are orientedgenerally parallel to the seat member arms 315A, 315B), the aperturesalign, enabling the insertion of the locking pin 240A, 240B through theconnection plate 242A, 242B and across both its associated arms (215A,315A and 215B, 315B, respectively). Once the locking pin 240A, 240Bextends through the arms the arms, the handle assembly 110 is lockedinto position with respect to the seat member 305, and vice versa.

In some embodiments the distal ends of the handle arms do not align withthe distal ends of the seat member arms 315A, 315B. Instead the handlearms align with the arms of the forward leg connectors 355A, 355B suchthat they are generally parallel to the plane of the seat member arms.Forward leg connectors 355A, 355B each include a set of apertures thatalign with the apertures in handle arms 215A, 215B so that locking pins240A, 240B can be inserted into the aligned apertures on forward legconnectors 355A, 355B and handle arms 215A, 215B to maintain handleassembly 205 in place.

Referring to FIG. 2F, the first bracket member 110A may be configured toslide forward along the handle assembly 110. Specifically, the C-shapeddistal ends 230, 235 are slidingly captured to its associated handle arm215A, 215B. Consequently, the supporting material 120C disposed on thehandle assembly 110 can be configured in an expanded or deployedposition (FIG. 1) to a collapsed or stowed position (FIG. 2F).Specifically, material is attached to both of the medial portion 215C ofthe handle member 205 and the first bracket member 210A such that whenfirst bracket member 210A is secured, the supporting material 120C isdeployed and spans the space between first bracket member 210A and thehandle assembly intermediate portion 215C to define a supporting surfacethat will allow additional items to be carried on the cart. When thecart is to be stowed, the handle locking pins 240A, 240B are removedfrom the apertures that are formed into the connection plates 242A,242B, handle assembly arms 215A, 215B and seat member arms 315A, 315B sothat the first bracket member 210A can be slid toward the second bracketmember 210B to collapse the supporting member 120C and open the spanbetween the arms of handle assembly 110, allowing the handle assembly topivot over the seatback member 310, resting on top of the seatback.

The wheel assemblies 115A, 115B are adapted to be coupled to the frame100 such that each is independently selectively positioned in a deployedconfiguration and a stowed configuration. Referring the FIGS. 5A-5C,each wheel assembly 115A, 115B includes a wheel 505 rotatably mounted onan axle 510. The axle 510, in turn, is coupled to a mounting assembly515. By way of example, the axle 510 may be a bolt 520 having a threadedend that engages a threaded fastener 520. Referring to FIG. 6, themounting assembly 515 includes an inner spacer or mounting block 605 andan outer sleeve or mounting plate 610. The mounting block 605 maypossess any dimensions (shape and size) suitable for its describedpurpose. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting block 605 isgenerally rectangular, defining a hollow block with a first open end615A and a second open end 615B. The mounting block 605 includes aplurality of apertures 617 operable to receive fasteners, therebypermitting the selective fastening of components thereto.

The sleeve 610 may be in the form of a generally U-shaped plate definedby a first wall 620A spaced from a second wall 620B by a medial portion620C. The medial portion may be generally arcuate, being contoured toaccommodate the exterior curve of the bars forming the frame. With thisconfiguration, the walls 620A, 620B and medial portion 620C cooperate todefine an opened sleeve cavity 625. The walls 620A, 620B of the sleevemay further include apertures 622 corresponding to apertures 617 on themounting block 605. As seen best in FIG. 5C, the sleeve 610 isconfigured to enclose the mounting block 605. Specifically, the sleeve610 is mounted onto the second arm 350B of the rearward leg member 340such that the mounting block 605 is received within the sleeve cavity625 of the sleeve 610. In addition, the second arm 350B of the rearwardleg member 340 is captured between the mounting block 605 and thearcuate medial portion 620C of the sleeve 610. With this configuration,the mounting assembly 515 is configured to rotate about its respectivearm 350A, 350B of rear leg member 240 along a plane that is generallyparallel to the seating surface of the cart when the cart is deployed.

The mounting assembly 515 further includes a stop member 635 and amounting assembly connector 640. The stop member 635 is adapted toprevent over outward rotation of the mounting assembly 515 and thuswheel 505. As illustrated, the stop member 635 may be in the form aplanar or flattened, generally-S-shaped bracket including upper andlower vertical portions 645 offset via a horizontal portion 646. Theupper vertical portion 645 includes one or more apertures 647 configuredto receive fasteners (e.g., bolts) that connect of the stop member 635to the mounting assembly (e.g. to the connector 640). The mountingassembly connector 640 provides a contact point for the stop member 635to rest against the frame 105, dispersing the weight of a seated user(or an object placed thereon) to the frame, thereby relieving the forceagainst bosses 710A, 710B (FIG. 7). The mounting assembly connector 640is a generally U-shaped member including an arcuate portion contoured toengage a bar forming the frame member.

The mounting assembly connector 640 further includes one or moreapertures 650 configured to receive fasteners (e.g., bolts) that enablethe connection of the stop member to, e.g., engage the stop member 635and/or the sleeve 610. Referring to FIGS. 5A-5C, the mounting assemblyconnecter 640 is mounted on the arm 315A, 315B of the seat member 305,being secured to the stop member 635, e.g., via a removable pin 705(FIG. 7). For embodiments lacking bosses 710A, 710B, mounting assemblyconnector 640 likewise disperses the weight exerted against the pivotpoint between rear leg member arms 350A, 350B and rear leg connectors360A, 360B when the cart is deployed. In operation, the stop member 635(the bent portion at the free end of each of bracket) acts to restrainthe lateral movement of mounting assemblies 515 and thus maintain wheels505 in a direction that is parallel to the length of the deployed cartonce they engage the connectors while the cart is in use. Such restraintof mounting assemblies 515 and wheels 505 by the bent end portion ofstop member 635 thus ensures that the deployed cart can be pulled in astraight direction rather than swerving unintentionally. Restraint ofmounting assemblies 515 and wheels 505 by the bent portion of stopmember 635 also makes alignment of aperture 650 with the holes inmounting block 605 easier for insertion of removable pin 705.

Other means can be utilized to maintain mounting assemblies in placewhen the cart is in use. For example, holes could be located in the stopmember that aligns with corresponding holes in the tops of sleevesthrough which the pins could be inserted.

As noted above, the mounting assembly 515 is configured to rotate aboutits corresponding rear leg member arm 350A, 350B of rear leg member 340.To secure the position of the mounting assembly 515 on the rear legmember arm 350A, 350B, a pair of bosses or protrusions 710A, 710B may bedisposed on the rear leg member arm, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Theprotrusions 710A, 710B are oriented above and below the sleeve 610,thereby maintaining the sleeve within the area defined by the bosses.Additionally, the mounting assembly 515 may include a lock mechanismoperable to secure the rotational position of the mounting assembly,preventing its rotation about the rear leg member arm 350A, 350B. Asillustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the sleeve 610 may include notch 805that engages one of the protrusions 710A, 710B preventing the rotationof the sleeve about the arm 350A, 350B. When deployed, the weight of thecart on protrusion 710A, 710B maintains the protrusion in the notch 805,preventing the mounting assembly 515 from pivoting around the leg memberarm 350A, 350B when the cart is in use. Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, inan alternative embodiment, the medial portion of the sleeve 610, as wellas the leg member arm 350A, 350B may each include an aperture 905 thatreceives a locking pin 910 effective to secure both the vertical androtational positions on the arm.

The procedure for deploying the cart is explained with reference toFIGS. 10-15. The cart begins in its stowed position as illustrated inFIG. 10A. When the cart is stowed, the wheel assembly sleeves 610 arefolded under the seat member 305, resting in a plane that is parallel tothat of supporting member 120B. The direction of each of sleeve 610 isperpendicular to that of the arms 315A, 315B of the seat member 310. Thewheel assemblies 115A, 115B (and thus wheels 505) also reside in a planethat is parallel to the plane of support member 120B when the cart isstowed. When the cart is deployed, the lengths of sleeves reside in adirection that is parallel to the length of cart 10. The wheels 505 arefolded under the frame 10, residing in planes that are perpendicular orapproximately perpendicular to the plane of support member 120B when thecart is deployed.

As shown in FIGS. 10A-10E, the handle assembly 110 is folded or pivotedaway from the seatback 310, exposing the backstop when the cart isstowed and laying on a surface with the wheels 505 folded under thecart. The wheel assemblies 115A, 115B are then rotated downward, outfrom under the seat member 305 so that the wheels 505 reside in a planethat is perpendicular to the plane defined by the supporting member 120Bof the seat member 305 (as shown in FIGS. 11A-11C). Once in theirdeployed positions, the pins 705 are inserted into the mounting assembly(i.e., the sleeve and mounting block). This embodiment has particularutility in situations where the user may encounter a bumpy surface. Insuch circumstances, if the cart is jolted enough by a bump, the wheelsmay be lifted off of the ground sufficiently to otherwise permit thesleeve 610 to fall away or disengage from one or both of the connectors,causing the wheels not to stay aligned with the length of the cart.However, the insertion of pins 705 will prevent the sleeves from movingvertically and disengaging from connector members. In circumstanceswhere the cart's user is encountering a bumpy surface he or she is thusassured that wheels will be maintained in the same direction as the cartwhen the cart is jolted by bumps.

Referring to FIGS. 12A-12D, the armrest supports 270A, 270B and theforward 335 and rearward 340 leg members are placed into their deployedposition by pulling the armrest supports 270A, 270B upward. Since thearmrest supports 270A, 270B are pivotally connected to the rear legmember 340, the upward motion of the armrest supports causes rear legmember 340 to pivot toward the wheel assembly supports 640A and 640B.The same upward motion of armrest supports 270A, 270B causes front legmember 335 to pivot away from seat member 305 in the same direction asand in synchrony with the rear leg member 340 because the front legmember is also pivotally coupled to the armrest supports 370A, 370B.

At this stage, the sleeves 610 of the wheel mounting assemblies 515 arepositioned to fit between the bent ends of the stop member 635 and thefaces of the wheel assembly supports 640. The sleeves 610 are furtherpositioned for wheel assembly support apertures 622 to respectivelyalign with sleeve apertures 617. Locking pins 705 are then insertedthrough each of aligned holes to secure the mounting assemblies 515 inplace. If there is other or alternative means to maintain wheelassemblies 115A, 115B in place, such means are engaged after sleeves arepositioned to rest against the stop members 635. In some embodiments,particularly variations of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9,there are no stop members so that the alternative means are solely usedto maintain the wheel mounting assemblies in place.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 13A-13D, the seatback 310 is folded or pivotedaway from the seat member 305. As shown in FIGS. 14A-14C, each of thecoupling rings 380A, 380B are rotated or pivoted around thecorresponding arm 320A, 320B of the seatback member 310 to approximatelyalign with the length of the armrest 375A, 375B that is attached to thecorresponding side of seatback member 310. Each armrest 375A, 375B isthen pivoted downward to the armrest support 370A, 370B, as shown inFIGS. 15A and 15B. The slots 392 are selected on plates 390A, 390Baccording to the angle of recline desired for seatback member 310 andthe selected slots used to engage the arm plates 390A, 390B withcorresponding boss 395A, 395B.

At this stage, the first bracket member 210A is configured to itsdeployed position by sliding the bracket member toward seat member 305.The apertures A formed into the first bracket member, the connectionplates 242A, 242B, handle assembly arms 215A, 215B, and seat member arms315A, 315B are aligned as described above, and the locking pins 240A,240B are inserted through the aligned holes to secure the first bracketmember 210A, the seat member 305, and the handle assembly 110 in place.

In addition to the procedures described in herein for deploying thecart, other combinations of folding the components of the cart may beused to deploy it.

Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 16A and 16B.As shown, in this embodiment, the wheel assembly support bar 1605 is asingle U-shaped piece that is pivotally attached to the platform 1610where wheel assembly supports would otherwise be attached. A hole islocated on each of the arms of wheel assembly support bar 1605 thataligns with wheel plate holes 1620 when the wheel assembly support bar1605 is pivoted to fit between the sides of the wheel plate 1625A and1625B, respectively. To secure wheel assembly support bar 1605 in placewith wheel assemblies 1625A and 1625B, wheel plate pins 1630 areinserted through the apertures in the arms of wheel assembly support bar1605 and wheel plate holes 1620.

Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated FIGS. 17 and 18. Inthis embodiment, the cart 1700 includes a support assembly 105, a handleassembly 110, and wheel assemblies 115A, 115B similar to that describedabove. The support assembly 105, however, further includes a backstop1705 that is directly attached to the portions of the arms 350A, 350B ofthe rear leg member 340 that extends above seat member 305 (i.e., thematerial 120B defining the seating/support area) when the cart 1700 isdeployed. Depending on the particular embodiment, means may be includedto prevent backstop 1705 from impeding the folding of the arms 350A,350B of rear leg member 340. Such means could comprise a gap between thebottom of backstop 1705 and the seat member 305 to create the clearanceneeded for the bottom of backstop to avoid butting against or otherwiseimpeding rear leg member 340 from folding as compactly as possible.

Other means to achieve the same result may further include the locationof pliable or soft goods material of sufficient width between seatmember 340 and the backstop 1705 that will bend or fold rather than buttup against seat member when the rear leg member 340 is being folded forstowing. Further means could include a backstop 1705 and the seat member305 having a supporting member extending from the backstop and to theseat member 305, e.g., a continuous piece of pliable or soft goodsmaterial spanning both components that is configured to bend or foldrather than butt up against backstop 1705 when the rear leg member 340is being folded for stowing. In another embodiment, spacers are insertedbetween the arms 350A, 350B of the rear leg member 340 and theattachment points of backstop 1705 so that when the cart is stowed, thedistance between the arms 350A, 350B of the rear leg member 340 and thebackstop 1705 created by the spacers allow the backstop to rest aboveseat member 305 (i.e., the seating or support surface). In embodimentssuch as those depicted in FIGS. 17 and 18, the armrests 375A, 375B,notched plate 390A, 390B, and guide plates 385A, 385B may be omitted.

In another embodiment, the backstop 1705 may include a lower hingeportion that can be pivoted to rest against the top portion of thebackstop 1705 thereby creating a gap between the backstop 1705 and theseat member 305. In embodiments in which the backstop 1705 is attachedto the rear leg member 340, the angle of recline for backstop may not beadjustable.

Another mechanism for deploying the handle assembly 110 and itsassociated support member 120C is illustrated in FIGS. 19A and 19B. Asshown, one end of support member 120C is pivotally attached to themedial portion 215C of the handle assembly 110, which spans and connectsit two arms. The unattached end of support member 120C would have shortarms which project from it and rest on the arms of handle assembly 110.The rigid material could comprise metal, plastic, wood and/or otherrigid or solid materials. In other embodiments, the length of seatbackmember 310 can simply be short enough to permit the handle assembly 110to pivot over the unattached end of seatback member 310 and rest on topof seatback member without being required to retract, fold or otherwisestow the support member 120C. Other embodiments may include the handleassembly 110, but omit the handle assembly support member 120C, as wellas the bracket members 210A, 210B so that the only support means is thesupport member 120 disposed on the seat member 305.

To add additional stability to the cart when it is deployed but notbeing used to transport items, a folding leg 2005 can be added to handleassembly 110, which is depicted in FIG. 20. If the cart is intended toalso serve as a folding chaise lounge, the folding leg 2005 will addadditional support for the user when the user is sitting or laying onit.

The cart described herein has utility where compactness, ease ofdeployment and strength would be ideal due to the circumstances of use.

One use is as a garden cart or utility cart with sides to contain itemsor material. As depicted in FIGS. 21A and 21B, sides 2105A and 2105B areincluded in the support assembly 105. Each of side 2105A, 2105B has ahole located in the edge that is opposite the edge pivotally attached toarms 315A, 315B of the seat member 305. When each of side 2105A, 2105Bis pivoted toward the armrests 265A, 265B, the holes are aligned with ahole formed in each of the armrests 275A, 275B or armrest supports 270A,270B respectively. Side pins 2110A and 2110B are then inserted into thealigned holes to hold sides 2105A, 2105B in place. Other means may beused to attach the sides 2105A, 2105B to the cart and maintain them inplace.

The garden or utility cart embodiment may also comprise side pieces thatare pivotally attached to the arms 215A, 215B of the handle assembly110, which serve in the same manner as sides 2105A, 2105B to retainitems resting on the support member 120C while they are beingtransported. The sides on the handle assembly 110 would also have ameans to maintain them in place during the cart's deployment. Such meanscould be similar to or different from the means to maintain the sides2105A, 2105B in place.

In the embodiment comprising a garden cart, the cart includes a backstop1705 directly attached to rear leg member 340 instead of the seat member305 via backstop connectors 325, 330. Alternatively, the backstop 1705may be pivotally attached to the seat member 305 and secured in placeusing the same or similar means as used for sides 2105A, 2105B. In suchan embodiment, the backstop 1205 may have a length which is short enoughto avoid impeding the support member 120B from folding against backstop1705 when the garden cart is being stowed.

In instances where the user is riding a bicycle, the cart herein wouldhave particular utility. In such case, the cart could be deployed andattached to the bicycle to be towed behind it. As shown in FIGS. 22A and22B, one embodiment of the cart described herein may comprise a cartwith sides 2105A, 2105B, a handle extension 2205, and hitch 2210. Hitch2210 would be used to attach the cart to a bicycle for towing.

In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 23, the cart describedherein can comprise a children's bicycle trailer or trailer to tow pets.In such embodiment, compartment 2305 is attached to the seat member 305.Loops 2310 are attached to compartment 2305 and are held in placeagainst armrests 265A, 265B by bands 2315. The compartment 2305 may bemade of soft material such as nylon or canvas. It may also comprisesolid or rigid pieces to lend support for the structure and provideprotection for the passengers. The compartment 2305 may comprise otherstructures and means to erect and secure it in place. The cart describedherein may comprise other embodiments that comprise the features shownherein or additional features.

While the invention has been described in detail and with reference tospecific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in theart that various changes and modifications can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, the number ofwheel assemblies is not limited. While a two-wheeled cart isillustrated, carts including four or more wheel assemblies arecontemplated. Instead of U-shaped frames with material spanning the gapof the “U,” the assemblies could comprise other configurations. Forexample, it could comprise a solid piece of plastic, wood metal or othermaterial. It could also comprise a square or rectangular frame withmultiple cross pieces to form a lattice or similar configuration made ofsolid materials such as metal, plastic, wood or other materials.

Other means can be used to set seatback member in a selected angle ofrecline. One such means may comprise a series of holes located in anotched plate, each capable of being aligned with a hole in the armrestsupports. The hole on each of notched plate which will result in thedesired angle decline for backseat member is then selected and alignedwith the hole on armrest support. A pin is then inserted into each setof the aligned holes which secures armrests in place

Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated FIGS. 24 and 25. Inthis embodiment, the cart 3000 includes a frame 3100 that defines asupport assembly 3105, a handle assembly 3110, and wheel assemblies3115A, 3115B similar to that described above. The support assembly 3105includes a seat member 3305 and a seatback member 3310. According tothis embodiment, the seat member 3305 of the frame 3100 includes agenerally U-shaped bar (e.g., a generally hollow, cylindrical bar)defined by a first arm or portion 3315A and a second arm or portion3315B laterally spaced from the first arm by a medial portion orcrossbar 3315C. Similarly, the seatback member 3310 of the frame 3100includes a generally U-shaped bar (e.g., a generally hollow, cylindricalbar) defined by a first arm or portion 3320A and a second arm or portion3320B laterally spaced from the first arm by a medial portion orcrossbar 3320C.

The seatback member 3310 is pivotally coupled to the seat member 3305.Specifically, the distal portion (e.g., the distal end) of the firstseatback arm 3320A is pivotally coupled to the first seat arm 3315A viaa first seating connector 3325 disposed proximate the seat intermediateportion 3315C. Similarly, the distal portion (e.g., the distal end) ofthe second seatback arm 3320B is pivotally coupled to the second seatarm 3315B via a second seating connector 3330 disposed proximate theseat intermediate portion 3315C. Each seating connector 3325, 3330 maybe a generally U-shaped connector having an arcuate medial portioncontoured to the bars forming the seat member. When mounted on the seatmember 3305, moreover, the seating connectors 3325, 3330 are orientedgenerally upright such that the arms of the “U” extend above the seatingsurface (as defined by supporting member 120B). In their deployedpositions, the seat member 3305 is oriented in a generally horizontalposition, while the seatback member 3310 is disposed in a generallyvertical position (e.g., it may be oriented slightly angularly offsetfrom vertical). With this configuration, the seat member 3305 and theseatback member 3310 define the seating or supporting area of the cart,being configured to support a user seated therein (or an object placedthereon).

The support assembly 3105 of the frame 3100 further includes a legassembly with a first or forward leg member 3335 and a second orrearwardly angled leg member 3340. The forward leg member 3335 may be inthe form of a generally U-shaped bar (e.g., a generally hollow,cylindrical bar) including a first upright arm or portion 3345Alaterally spaced from a second upright arm or portion 3345B by a medialor crossbar portion 3345C. The second leg member 3340, however, may bein the form of a generally U-shaped bar (e.g., a hollow cylinder) with aslight bend. The second leg member 3340 includes a first rearwardlyangled arm or portion 3350A laterally spaced from a second rearwardlyangled arm portion 3350B by an intermediate portion or crossbar 3350C.When the cart 3000 is in its deployed position, the crossbar 3345Ccontacts the supporting surface (e.g., the ground).

One or both leg members 3335, 3340 may further include a cross brace3347 operable to provide additional support to the leg member. In theembodiment shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the cross brace 3347 on the forwardleg member 3335 is attached to the front side of member (i.e., the sidefacing away from the cart). In this embodiment, the second leg member3340 does not include a cross brace.

Each of the first 3335 and second 3340 leg members is pivotally coupledto the seat member 3305. Specifically, the first arm 3345A of theforward leg member 3335 is pivotally attached or coupled to the firstarm 3315A of the seat member 3305 (proximate the forward (distal)portion of the seat member first arm 3315A), while the second arm 3345Bof the forward leg member 3335 is pivotally attached or coupled to thesecond arm 3315B of the seat member 3305 (proximate the forward (distal)portion of the seat member second arm 3315B). Handle assembly connector3355A is attached to first arm 3345A of forward leg member 3335 at thejuncture of attachment of first arm 3345A and first arm 3315A of seatmember 3305. Likewise, handle assembly connector 3355B is attached tosecond arm 3345B of forward leg member 3335 at the juncture ofattachment of second arm 3345B and second arm 3315B of seat member 3305.Handle assembly connectors 3355A, 3355B can be attached at otherlocations on first arm 3345A and second arm 3345B respectively. Each ofthese handle assembly connectors 3355A, 3355B may be a generallyU-shaped connector having an arcuate medial portion contoured to thefirst and second arms 3345A, 3345B of the forward leg member 3335. Whenmounted on the forward leg member 3335, moreover, the handle assemblyconnectors 3355A, 3355B are oriented generally horizontal such that thearms of the “U” extend forward from cart 3000.

The first rearwardly angled arm 3350A of the rearward leg member 3340 iscoupled to the first arm 3315A of the seat member 3305 (proximate theintermediate portion 3315C of the seat section first arm 3315A) via afirst rearward leg connector 3360A, while the second rearwardly angledarm 3350B of the rearward leg member 3340 is coupled to the second arm3315B of the seat member 3305 (proximate the intermediate portion 3315Cof the seat member second arm 3315B) via a second rearward leg connector3360B (not shown). The leg connectors 3360A and 3360B may be a bar ormember that is pivotally connected at one end to the rearwardly angledarms 3350A, 3350B and pivotally connected to the exterior portion 3328,3333 (not shown) of axles 3327, 3332, respectively. As illustrated,first seating connector 3325 includes an axle 3327 that extendsoutwardly from the seating connector 3325. Similarly, second seatingconnector 3330 includes an axle 3332 (not shown) that extends outwardlyfrom the seating connector 3330. Each of the axles 3327, 3332 extendoutwardly from the seating connectors 3325, 3330 a distance where aportion of the axles 3327, 3332 contact the first and second reawardlyangled arms 3350A, 3350B. This retains the first and second rearwardlyangled arms 3350A, 3350B in the proper position whether the cart 3000 isin a stowed position or a deployed position. The axles 3327, 3332prevent the first and second rearwardly angled arms 3350A, 3350B fromfolding past the first and second seating connectors 3325, 3330.

In its deployed position, the leg member 3335 is attached to seat member3305 so that the leg member arms 3345A, 3345B extend below seat member3305 in a manner that is generally perpendicular to the plane defined bythe seat member. Conversely, in its deployed position, leg member 3340is attached to seat member 3305 so that the leg member arms 3350A, 3350Bextend below seat member 3305 in a manner that is angled betweenperpendicular to the plane defined by the seat member 3305 and parallelto the plane defined by the seat member 3305. As noted above, the legmember arms 3345A, 3345B, 3350A, 3350B are pivotally attached, orpivotally coupled, to the seat member 3305; consequently, the legmembers 3335, 3340 may be pivoted from their deployed configuration totheir stowed configuration, in which the leg members 3335, 3340 areoriented generally parallel to the plane defined by the seat member3305. Additionally, the ends of leg member arms 3345A, 3345B of theforward leg member 3335 are pivotally connected to the ends of legmember arms 3350A, 3350B of the rearward leg member 3340 via pins orjoining members.

The support assembly 3105 further includes one or more armrestassemblies 3365A, 3365B operable to support the arms of a user seatedwithin the support assembly. The first armrest 3365A is pivotallycoupled to the first arm 3320A of the seatback member 3310 via a pin.Similarly, the second armrest 3365B is pivotally coupled to the secondarm 3320B of the seatback member 3310 via a pin. As illustrated, thefirst armrest 3365A spans and is supported by the connection of the endsof the first arms 3345A, 3350A of the forward 3335 and rearward 3340 legmembers, and the second armrest 3365B spans and is supported by theconnection of the ends of the second arms 3345B, 3350B of the forward3335 and rearward 3340 leg members. The first arm rest 3365A includes apositioning plate 3390A, while the second arm rest 3365B includes apositioning plate 3390B. As illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25, the pinsthat pivotally connect the ends of the leg member arms 3345A, 3345B ofthe forward leg member 3335 to the ends of leg member arms 3350A, 3350Bof the rearward leg member 3340 are inserted through the positioningplates 3390A, 3390B. The positioning plates 3390A, 3390B include aplurality of elongated, laterally-spaced slots 3392 that mate with thepins that connect the ends of the forward leg member arms 3345A, 3345Bwith the ends of the rearward leg member arms 3350A, 3350B. Inoperation, a user pivots the armrests 3365A, 3365B downward, aligningthe desired slot with the pins and inserting the pins into the slots 392to secure the armrest 3365A, 3365B in the desired position. Thelongitudinal positioning of the armrests 3365A, 3365B control the angleof recline between the seatback member 3310 and the seat member 3305;consequently, adjusting the position of armrests 3365A, 3365B alsocontrols whether the cart 3000 is in the deployed or stowed position.

Turning to FIG. 26, illustrated is an embodiment of the wheel assembly3115A with the wheel 3505 removed for illustration. While FIG. 26 onlyillustrates wheel assembly 3115A, the discussion of FIG. 26 and wheelassembly 3115A applies to wheel assembly 3115B, as wheel assembly 3115Aand wheel assembly 3115B are identical to one another. Each wheelassembly 3115A, 3115B includes a wheel 3505 rotatably mounted on ahollow axle 3510. The hollow axle 3510, in turn, is coupled to amounting plate 3610 mounted on the first and second rearwardly angledarms 3350A, 3350B. The mounting plate 3610 may be a generally U-shapedconnector having an arcuate medial portion contoured to the first andsecond rearwardly angled arms 3350A, 3350B of the rearward leg member3340. As illustrated, the hollow axle 3510 is maintained in mountingplate 3610 via a pair of bolts through the hollow axle 3510. Threadedthrough the hollow axle 3510 is a tether 3520 with a ring 3525 coupledto one end of the tether 3520 and a pull pin 3515 coupled to the otherend of the tether 3520. The ring 3525 is sized larger than the diameterof the axle 3510, preventing the ring 3525 and the end of the tether3520 coupled to the ring 3525 from being pulled through the axle 3510.Additionally, the pair of bolts through the hollow axle 3510 prevent thepull pin 3515 and end of the tether 3520 coupled to the pull pin 3515from being pull entirely through the hollow axle 3510. The hollow axle3510 further includes a pair of apertures 3530 through the sidewalls ofthe end of the hollow axle 3510 positioned farthest from the mountingplate 3610. The apertures 3530 are sized and configured to receive thepull pin 3515. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 26, the pull pin3515 is inserted into the pair of apertures 3530, which can be used toeither retain a wheel 3505 on the hollow axle 3510 or prevent a wheel3505 from being placed on the hollow axle 3510.

Referring back to FIGS. 24-25, the handle assembly 3110 includes agenerally U-shaped bar (e.g., a hollow, generally cylindrical bar)defined by a first arm or portion 3215A laterally spaced from a secondarm or portion 3215B via a medial portion or crossbar 3215C. The distalportion of the handle first arm 3215A is pivotally coupled to the firsthandle assembly connector 3355A. Similarly, the distal portion of thesecond arm 3215B of the handle assembly 3110 is pivotally coupled to thesecond handle assembly connector 3355B. With this configuration, thehandle assembly pivots with respect to the seat member 3305 via thepivot connection provided by the handle assembly connectors 3355A,3355B. As shown, the distal ends of the handle arms 3215A, 3215B may beconfigured to overlap with the distal ends of the seat member arms3315A, 3315B, with the arms being oriented adjacent and generallyparallel to each other in their deployed positions.

The handle assembly connectors 3355A, 3355B include an aperture 3356A,3356B (not shown). Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 30, the handlearms 3215A, 3215B each include an aperture 3225A, 3225B (not shown). Theapertures 3225A, 3225B of the handle arms 3215A, 3215B are oriented suchthat, when the distal ends of the arms 3215A, 3215B are oriented intheir deployed position (i.e., the handle arms 3215A, 3215B are orientedgenerally parallel to the seat member arms 3315A, 3315B), the apertures3225A, 3225B align with the apertures 3356A, 3356B of the forward legconnectors. This enables the snap buttons 3220A, 3220B located withinthe distal ends of the arms 3215A, 3215B to snap into the apertures3356A, 3356B of the handle assembly connectors 3355A, 3355B. Theapertures 3356A, 3356B of the handle assembly connectors 3355A, 3355Bare disposed in the middle of the handle assembly connectors 3355A,3355B, with the handle arms 3215A, 3215B pivoting about the pin in theend of the handle assembly connectors 3355A, 3355B. Once the snapbuttons 3220A, 3220B extends through the arms the arms, the handleassembly 3110 is locked into position with respect to the seat member3305. When the cart is to be stowed, the snap buttons 3220A, 3220B arepushed inward from the apertures 3356A, 3356B of the handle assemblyconnectors 3355A, 3355B so that the snap buttons 3220A, 3220B disengageapertures 3356A and 3356B, enabling the handle arms 3215A, 3215B topivot about the handle assembly connectors 3355A, 3355B to a stowedposition.

Referring to FIGS. 27A-27E, the wheel assembly 3115A is illustrateddemonstrating the removal of the wheel 3505 from the wheel assembly3115A. While FIGS. 27A-27E only illustrates wheel assembly 3115A, thediscussion of FIGS. 27A-27E and wheel assembly 3115A applies to wheelassembly 3115B, as wheel assembly 3115A and wheel assembly 3115B areidentical to one another. As illustrated in FIG. 27A, wheel 3505 isrotatably coupled to the hollow axle 3510 and held in place by the pullpin 3515. In FIGS. 27B and 27C, the pull pin 3515 has been pulled out ofthe apertures 3530 of the hollow axle 3510, and the ring 3525 is thenpulled to thread the tether 3520 and the pull pin 3515 through thelongitudinal opening of the hollow axle 3510 as far as possible. Asillustrated in FIG. 27D, with the pull pin 3515 pulled as far into thelongitudinal opening of the hollow axle 3510 as possible, the wheel 3505can be removed from the hollow axle 3510. Finally, in FIG. 27E,illustrated is the wheel 3505 pulled off of the hollow axle 3510,completing removal of the wheel 3505 from the cart 3000.

Referring to FIGS. 28A-28E, the cart 3000 is illustrated demonstratingthe folding process, folding the cart 3000 from its deployed positionFIG. 28A to its stowed position FIG. 28E. For illustrative purposes, thewheels 3505 have been removed from the wheel assemblies 3115A, 3115B. Asillustrated in FIG. 28A, the cart 3000 is in the deployed position withthe seatback member 3310 being substantially perpendicular to the seatmember 3305. Furthermore, the handle assembly 3110 is extendingsubstantially parallel from the front of the seat member 3305. Asillustrated in FIGS. 28B and 28C, the seatback member 3310 is beingfolded towards the seat member 3305. The seatback member 3310 ispivoting with respect to the seat member 3305 about the first and secondseating connectors 3325, 3330. The seatback member 3310 is beingpivoting about the first and second seating connectors 3325, 3330 frombeing substantially perpendicular to the seat member 3305 to beingsubstantially parallel to the seat member 3305. Because of theconnection of the seat member 3305 to the forward leg member 3335, theconnection of the seat member 3305 to the rearward leg member 3340 viathe rearward leg connectors 3360A, 3360B, and the connection of theseatback member 3310 to the forward leg member 3335 and the rearward legmember 3340 via the arm rests 3365A, 3365B, when the seatback member3310 is folded to be parallel with the seat member 3305, the forward legmember 3335 and rearward leg member 3340 are pivoted to be substantiallyparallel to the seat member 3305. Once the seatback member 3310 has beenfolded to be substantially parallel to the seat member 3305, asillustrated in FIG. 28C, the handle assembly 3310 is extendingsubstantially perpendicular from the bottom of the seat member 3305. Asthe forward leg member 3335 pivoted to be parallel with the seat member3305, the handle assembly connectors 3355A, 3355B, along with the handleassembly 3110, were pivoted to a position substantially perpendicular tothe seat member 3305. As illustrated in FIGS. 28D and 28E, the handleassembly 3110 is pivoted from its deployed position to its stowedposition by pivoting about the handle assembly connectors 3355A, 3355B.As explained previously, the snap buttons 3220A, 3220B located withinthe distal ends of the arms 3215A, 3215B of the handle assembly 3110enable the handle assembly to be locked into the deployed position bysnapping into the apertures 3356A, 3356B of the handle assemblyconnectors 3355A, 3355B. In the stowed position, the handle assembly isaligned substantially parallel to the seat member 3305, but with thehandle assembly being positioned proximate to the bottom of the seatmember 3305. The complete stowed position of the cart 3000 isillustrated in FIG. 28E.

Referring to FIGS. 29A-29D, the cart 3000 is illustrated demonstratingthe conversion of the cart 3000 to be used as a chair. As illustrated bythe FIGS., the conversion of the cart 3000 into a configuration to beused as a chair requires a repositioning of the handle assembly 3110. Aspreviously described, the snap buttons 3220A, 3220B, located within thedistal ends of the arms 3215A, 3215B of the handle assembly 3110, snapinto the apertures 3356A, 3356B of the handle assembly connectors 3355A,3355B. By pressing the snap buttons 3220A, 3220B, the handle assembly3110 can be released to pivot about the handle assembly connectors3355A, 3355B. As illustrated in FIG. 29B, the handle assembly 3110 hasbeen released from its deployed position to pivot downwardly so crossbar3215C is resting on the support surface. As illustrated in FIG. 29C, thesupporting member 120C is disconnected from the arms 3215A, 3215B of thehandle assembly 3110 by releasing the plurality of connections 125.These connections 125 may be buttons, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, orany other similar means for connecting the supporting member 120C to thehandle assembly arms 3215A, 3215B. The supporting member 120C ispivotally connected to the crossbar 3215C so that once the connections125 are undone, the supporting member 120C can be configured to rest onthe supporting surface, as illustrated in FIG. 29D. In this chairconfiguration, a users feet and legs are free to intersect the planedefined by the handle assembly 3110 so the users feet can ultimatelyrest upon the supporting member 120C as it is resting on the supportsurface.

Turning to FIGS. 31A and 31B, illustrated is another embodiment of thewheel assembly 4115A with the wheel removed for illustration. WhileFIGS. 31A and 31B only illustrates one wheel assembly 4115A, thediscussion of FIGS. 31A and 31B and wheel assembly 4115A applies to asecond wheel assembly that is identical, but mirrored, to wheel assembly4115A. As illustrated, a set of apertures 4600 are disposed on therearwardly angled arm 4350A at a location in the proximity to theconnection of the rearwardly angled arm 4350A and the crossbar portion4350C. The apertures 4600 are sized and configured to receive an axle4510. The axle 4510 includes a bolt 4525 through one end and a snapbutton 4515 extending through a portion of the axle 4510 on the oppositeend. The snap button 4515 is similar to the snap button 3220A embodimentillustrated in FIG. 30. The bolt 4525 is disposed on the first end ofthe axle 4525 with two protrusions extending outwardly from the axle4525 at two locations opposite of one another. Furthermore, the snapbutton 4515 is disposed within the second end of the axle 4510 andincludes a portion that extends through only one location on the axle4510. The axle 4510 is configured to slide through the apertures 4600 inthe rearwardly angled arm 4350A. The snap button 4515 and the bolt 4525extending outwardly from the axle 4510 allow the axle to slide between adeployed configuration, illustrated in FIG. 31A, and a stowedconfiguration, illustrated in FIG. 31B. When the axle 4510 is in thedeployed configuration, the axle 4510 is slid outwardly through theapertures 4600 so bolt 4525 is positioned adjacent to the rearwardlyangled arm 4350A. In the deployed configuration, the snap button 4515can be depressed so that a wheel can be slid onto the axle 4510.Conversely, when the axle 4510 is in the stowed configuration, the axle4510 is slide inwardly through the apertures 4600 so the snap button4525 is positioned adjacent to the rearwardly angled arm 4350A. When inthe stowed configuration, the axle 4510 is not able to receive a wheel.

Referring to FIGS. 32A-32C, another embodiment of the wheel assembly5115A is illustrated demonstrating the placement of the wheel 5505 onthe wheel assembly 5115A. While FIGS. 32A-32C only illustrates wheelassembly 5115A, the discussion of FIGS. 32A-32C and wheel assembly 5115Aapplies a second wheel assembly that is identical, but mirrored, towheel assembly 5115A. In this embodiment, the wheel assembly 5115Aincludes an axle 5510 that extends through the rearwardly angled arm5350A at a location proximate to the connection between the rearwardlyangled arm 5350A and crossbar portion 5350C. Unlike previous embodimentsof the wheel assemblies, where each wheel assembly included its ownaxle, the axle 5510 in this embodiment is a single axle that extendsbetween this wheel assembly 5115A and a second wheel assembly not shown.Other embodiments may employ two axles to achieve the same effect. Theaxle 5510 includes a first aperture 5511 and a second aperture 5513 thatare positioned on the portion of the axle 5510 that is outside of therearwardly angled arm 5350A. Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 32A, adouble snap button 5515, which includes a first snap button 5517 and asecond snap button 5519 located on the same resilient member, isinserted into the end of the axle 5510 so that the first snap button5517 extends through the first aperture 5511 and the second snap button5519 extends through the second aperture 5513. Additionally, in thisembodiment, the wheel 5505 includes two bearings 5507A, 5507B thatcouple to the two sides of the wheel 5505 before the wheel 5505 isplaced on the axle 5510. As illustrated in FIGS. 32A and 32B, each ofthe bearings 5507A, 5507B fit onto each side of the wheel 5505 at theopenings that receive the axle 5510. When coupled to the wheel 5505, thebearings 5507A, 5507B do not extend into the interior of the wheel 5505far enough to contact each other. Therefore, a space (not shown) islocated between the bearings 5507A, 5507B within the interior of thewheel 5505. The bearings 5507A, 5507B enable the wheel 5505 to rotatemore smoothly about the axle 5510 than in other embodiments when a wheelis rotatably placed on an axle without any bearings.

As illustrated in FIGS. 32B and 32C, once the bearings 5507A, 5507B havebeen coupled to the wheel 5505 and the double snap button 5515 has beeninserted into the end of the axle 5510, the wheel 5505 is rotatablycoupled to the axle 5510. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 32C, thewheel 5505 is inserted onto the axle 5510 so that the bearing 5507B islocated between the first snap button 5517 and the second snap button5519. Therefore, the distance between the first and second snap buttons5517, 5519, and the first and second apertures 5511, 5513 is greaterthan the width of the bearing 5507B coupled to the wheel 5505, so thatthe second snap button 5519 extends outwardly from the axle 5510 intothe space between the bearings 5507A, 5507B. In another embodiment notillustrated, the wheel 5505 may be inserted onto the axle 5510 so thatthe wheel 5505 and the bearings 5507A, 5507B are located between thefirst snap button 5517 and the second snap button 5519. Therefore, thedistance between the first and second snap buttons 5517, 5519, and thefirst and second apertures 5511, 5513 is greater than the width of thewheel 5505 with the bearings 5507A, 5507B coupled to the wheel 5505.

The purpose of the double snap button 5515 is to ensure proper placementof the wheel 5505 on the axle 5510 while still allowing the wheel 5505to be removed from the axle 5510 when the cart is placed in its stowedconfiguration. As stated previously, the interior of the wheel 5505contains a space between the bearings 5507A, 5507B. If the axle 5510only included one snap button 5519, instead of two snap buttons 5517,5519, once the wheel 5505 starts to slide over the location of the onesnap button 5519, the snap button 5519 would extend outwardly from theaxle 5510 into the space between the bearings 5507A, 5507B. Because thisspace is within the interior of the wheel 5505, access to the one snapbutton 5519 is no longer available. Thus, making removal of the wheel5505 from the axle 5510 cumbersome and difficult. However, the doublesnap button 5515 with first snap button 5517 and second snap button 5519allows for proper placement and removal of the wheel 5505 from the axle5510. During operation, once the wheel 5505 is placed on the axle 5510and is slid toward the rearwardly angled arm 5350A, the second snapbutton 5519 is pressed down into the second aperture 5513 so that thesecond snap button 5519 does not extend through the second aperture5513. Once the wheel 5505 is slid over the second aperture 5513, thesecond snap button 5519 may return to extending from the second aperture5513, which would result in the second snap button 5519 is extendinginto the space between the bearings 5507A, 5507B. However, because thefirst and second snap buttons 5517, 5519 are located on the sameresilient member of the double snap button 5515, pressing the first snapbutton 5517 into the first aperture 5511 until the first snap button5517 no longer extends through the first aperture 5511 also depressesthe second snap button 5519 so that second snap button 5519 no longerextends through the second aperture 5513. This allows the wheel 5505 toslide completely past the second snap button 5519 on the axle 5510 andinto a position where the first snap button 5517 is located on one sideof the wheel 5505 and the second snap button 5519 is located on anotherside of the wheel 5505. Removing the wheel 5505 from the axle 5510requires pressing the first snap button 5517 until it no longer extendsthrough the aperture 5511 so that the second snap button 5519 no longerextends through the second aperture 5513 as the wheel 5505 is slid offof the axle 5505.

Turning to FIGS. 33A and 33B, illustrated is the connection of a handlewith a leg connector of a cart in accordance with another embodiment ofthe invention. As stated previously, a handle assembly 6110 (not shown),which has a similar structure to that described for handle assembly3110, includes a generally U-shaped bar (e.g., a hollow, generallycylindrical bar) defined by a first arm or portion 6215A laterallyspaced from a second arm or portion 6215B (not shown) via a medialportion or crossbar 6215C (not shown). As illustrated in FIGS. 33A and33B, the distal portion of the handle first arm 6215A is pivotallycoupled to the first forward leg connector 6355A. Similarly, but notshown, the distal portion of the second arm 6215B of the handle assembly6110 is pivotally coupled to the second forward leg connector 6355B.While FIGS. 33A and 33B only illustrates the first arm 6215A attached tofirst forward leg connector 6335A, the discussion of FIGS. 33A and 33Bapplies to the attachment of the second arm 6215B to the second forwardleg connector 6355B. As illustrated in FIGS. 33A and 33B, and assimilarly discussed for the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25,the first upright arm 6345A of the forward leg member 6335 (not shown)is connected to the first arm 6315A of seat member 6305 (not shown).Moreover, coupled to the first upright arm 6345A is a forward legconnector 6355A, which may be a generally U-shaped connector having anarcuate medial portion contoured to the first arm 6345A of the forwardleg member 6335 (not shown). When mounted on the forward upright arm6345A, the leg connector 6355A is oriented generally horizontal suchthat the arms of the “U” extend forward.

As illustrated in FIGS. 33A and 33B, the distal ends of the first arm6215A of the handle assembly 6110 (not shown) are placed within the armsof the leg connector 6355A. The distal end of the first arm 6215A ispivotally coupled to the middle portion of the leg connector 6355A atpivotal connection 6222A. Additionally, disposed on the outer arm of theleg connector 6355A is an opening 6356A. Moreover, a snap button 6220Aextends from the first arm 6215A at a location that is aligned with theaperture 6356A when the first arm 6215A is in a deployed position. Thefirst arm 6215A is configured to pivot about the pivotal connection6222A of the leg connector 6355A between a deployed position,illustrated in FIG. 33B, and a stowed position, illustrated in FIG. 33A.When in the deployed position, the first arm 6215A is aligned parallelwith the arm of the leg connector 6355A, while the snap button 6220Aextends within the opening 6356A, preventing the first arm 6215A frompivoting about pivotal connection 6222A. To reposition the first arm6215A from the deployed position to the stowed position, the snap button6220A must be pressed inward from the aperture 6356A and into the firstarm 6215A. The first arm 6215A can then pivot about pivotal connection6222A so that the first arm 6215A is parallel to the first upright arm6345A of the forward leg member 6335 (not shown). Additionally, the armsof the leg connector 6355A include a bracket 6357A connecting one sideof the leg connector 6355A to the other. In this embodiment, the bracket6357A is configured to connect the arms of the leg connector 6355A overthe top of the leg connector 6355A. Thus, when pivoting the first arm6215A to the stowed position, the first arm 6215A can only be pivoteddownwardly from the leg connector 6355A. Moreover, the bracket 6357Aprovides reinforcement to the arms of the leg connector 6355A,preventing the arms of the leg connector 6355A from bending outwardlyfrom use and inadvertent side forces. If the bracket 6357A is notconnected to the arms of the leg connector 6355A, and the arms of theleg connector 6355A are bent outwardly, the snap button 6220A will nolonger extend into the aperture 6356A, and the first arm 6357A will nolonger be able to be positioned in the deployed position.

Turning to FIGS. 34A, 34B, and 34C, illustrated is another embodiment ofa wheel assembly 7115 coupled to a cart 7000 with the wheels removed forillustration. While FIGS. 34B and 34C only illustrate one side of thewheel assembly 7115, the discussion of FIGS. 34B and 34C applies to theother side of wheel assembly 7115 that is identical, but mirrored, towheel the side of the wheel assembly 7115 illustrated. The cart 7000includes a second leg member 7340 that may be in the form of a generallyU-shaped bar (e.g., a hollow cylinder), similar to the second leg member3340 described for the cart 3000 and illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25. Thesecond leg member 7340 includes a first rearwardly angled arm or portion7350A laterally spaced from a second rearwardly angled arm portion 7350Bby an intermediate portion or crossbar 7350C. As illustrated, a housing7511 is coupled to the first rearwardly angled arm 7350A and the secondrearwardly angled arm 7350B. The housing 7511 is parallel to thecrossbar 7350C. The housing 7511 may be coupled to the rearwardly angledarms 7350A, 7350B at a location proximate to the crossbar 7350C.Furthermore, the housing 7511 is attached to the rearwardly angled arms7350A, 7350B via bolts 7515, 7524. Bolt 7515 attaches the housing 7511to the first rearwardly angled arm 7350A, while bolt 7524 attaches thehousing 7511 to the second rearwardly angled arm 7350B.

As illustrated in FIGS. 34 a, 34 b, 34 c, the housing 7511 includesthree sides that form a channel 7512 with an open side that faces in therearward direction of the cart 7000. Moreover, the housing 7511 includesfour bolts 7516, 7518, 7520, 7522 that intersect the channel 7512 of thehousing 7511. Furthermore, two axles 7510, 7530 (not illustrated) areslidingly engaged within the channel 7512. While FIGS. 34A, 34B, and 34Conly illustrate the first axle 7510, the discussion of FIGS. 34A, 34B,and 34C applies to the second axle 7530 that is identical, but mirrored,to the first axle 7510 illustrated. First axle 7510 includes a firstsnap button 7513 disposed within and extending from one end of the axle7510, and a protrusion 7517, such as a bolt or rivet, disposed throughthe other end of the axle 7510. As best illustrated in FIGS. 34B and34C, the first snap button 7513 extends through an opening in thesidewall of the first axle 7510, and is oriented to extend in an upwarddirection away from the support surface. Furthermore, the protrusion7517 extends from the sidewall of the first axle 7510 in a rearwarddirection, in the same direction of open side of the housing 7511. Inaddition, a second snap button 7514 is disposed within the first axle7510 at a location intermediate the first snap button 7513 and theprotrusion 7517. The second snap button 7514 extends through an openingin the sidewall of the first axle 7510, and is oriented to extend in arearward direction, similar to that of the protrusion 7517. In otherwords, the second snap button 7514 and the protrusion 7517 extends fromthe first axle 7510 at an orientation that is ninety degrees offset fromthe direction that the first snap button 7513 extends from the firstaxle 7510.

Continuing with FIGS. 34B and 34C, illustrated is the first axle 7510 ina stowed position and a deployed position. The first axle 7510 has alength that enables it to extend into the channel 7512 and past two ofthe bolts 7516, 7518. The bolts 7516, 7518 intersect the channel 7512 ofthe housing 7511 at a distance spaced from the front side of the housing7511 to slidingly engage first axle 7510 within the channel 7512 betweenbolts 7516, 7518 and the front side of the housing 7511. As illustratedin FIG. 34B, the first axle 7510 is inserted into the channel 7512 ofthe housing 7511 until the second snap button 7514 has slid past thefirst bolt 7516. Moreover, this places the first snap button 7513adjacent to the end of the housing 7511. As further illustrated by FIG.34B, when the first axle 7510 is in the stowed position, the protrusion7517 is positioned away from the second bolt 7518. Furthermore, thepositioning of the second snap button 7514 prevents the first axle 7510from sliding outward from the housing 7511 to the deployed positionbecause the second snap button 7514 extends from the first axle 7510 andcontacts the first bolt 7516. Once the second snap button 7514 has beenpushed inward towards the first axle 7510, the first axle 7510 is freeto slide outward to the deployed position, illustrated in FIG. 34C. Asillustrated in FIG. 34C, first axle 7510 slides out from the housing7511 until the protrusion 7517 contacts the second bolt 7518. Thecontact between the housing second bolt 7518 and the protrusion 7517prevents the first axle 7510 from sliding completely out of the housing7511. However, in the deployed position, a portion of the first axle7510 is positioned outside of the housing 7511. The portion of the axle7510 that is between the first snap button 7513 and the housing 7511when the axle is in the deployed position is sized and configured toreceive a wheel (not shown). Therefore, the distance between the firstsnap button 7513 and the housing 7511 when the axle is in the deployedposition is greater than the width of the wheel that is to be rotatablycoupled to the axle 7510. Once the axle 7510 is to be repositioned fromthe deployed position to the stowed position, the second snap button7514 must be pushed into the axle 7510 while the axle 7510 is slid intothe channel 7512 until the second snap button 7514 passes the first bolt7516, where the second snap button 7514 returns to extending from thesidewall of the axle 7510.

While the invention has been described in detail and with reference tospecific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in theart that various changes and modifications can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope thereof. It is to be understood thatterms of reference such as “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “rear”, “side”,“height”, “length”, “width”, “upper”, “lower”, “interior”, “exterior”,and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points of referenceand do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation orconfiguration. Similarly, various words and phrases, such as“perpendicular”, and “parallel”, are used to describe the location ofthe invention's components in space, direction, orientation or inrelation to other components. Where applicable such, words and phrasesalso incorporate adjectives such as “approximately” to encompass thefull range of embodiments possible. Thus, it is intended that thepresent invention covers the modifications and variations of thisinvention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims andtheir equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A collapsible cart comprising: a support assemblyincluding: a seat member comprising a frame and supporting materialcoupled to the frame, wherein the seat member defines a seating surfaceconfigured to support an object, a first leg member pivotally coupled tothe seat member frame, the first leg member pivoting from a stowedposition to a deployed position, a second leg member pivotally coupledto the seat member frame, the second leg member pivoting from a stowedposition to a deployed position; and at least one coupling assemblyincluding: a hollow axle coupled to the second leg member, the hollowaxle having a diameter, a distal end, a proximal end, a passageextending from the distal end to the proximal end through the axle, andan aperture extending through the distal end, the aperture beingperpendicular to the passage, a tether threaded through the hollow axle,the tether having a distal end and a proximal end, a pin coupled to thedistal end of the tether and configured to be inserted into the aperturein the distal end of the axle, and a stop member coupled to the proximalend of the tether, the stop member being sized larger than the diameterof the hollow member.
 2. The collapsible cart of claim 1, wherein, whenin the deployed position, the first and second leg members cooperate tosupport the seat member over a surface.
 3. The collapsible cart of claim1, further comprising a handle assembly pivotally coupled to the seatmember frame of the support assembly.
 4. The collapsible cart of claim1, further comprising a wheel rotatably coupled to the at least onecoupling assembly.
 5. The collapsible cart of claim 1, wherein thesupport assembly further comprises a seatback member including a frameand supporting material coupled to the frame.
 6. The collapsible cart ofclaim 5, wherein the seatback member frame is pivotable from a stowedposition, in which the seatback member is oriented generally parallel tothe seating surface defined by the seat member, to a deployed position,in which the seatback member is oriented non-parallel to seating surfacedefined by the seat member.
 7. The collapsible cart of claim 6, whereinthe seatback member frame is pivotally coupled to the seat member frame.8. The collapsible cart of claim 7, wherein the support assembly furthercomprises an armrest assembly including: a first armrest extending fromthe seatback member frame to the first leg member; and a second armrestextending from the seatback member frame to the first leg member.
 9. Thecollapsible cart of claim 8, wherein the first and second armrests arepivotally coupled to the support assembly.
 10. The collapsible cart ofclaim 8, wherein the armrests are pivotally coupled to the seatbackmember frame.
 11. The collapsible cart of claim 3, wherein the handleassembly comprises a handle member including a frame and flexiblesupporting material coupled to the frame.
 12. The collapsible cart ofclaim 11, wherein the handle member is pivotable from a stowed position,in which the handle member is oriented generally aligned with theseating surface defined by the seat member, to a deployed position, inwhich the handle member is oriented generally parallel to seatingsurface defined by the seat member.
 13. A collapsible cart comprising: asupport assembly including: a seat member comprising a frame andsupporting material coupled to the frame, wherein the seat memberdefines a seating surface configured to support an object, a first legmember pivotally coupled to the seat member frame, the first leg memberpivoting from a stowed position to a deployed position, and a second legmember pivotally coupled to the seat member frame, the second leg memberpivoting from a stowed position to a deployed position, wherein, in thedeployed position, the first and second leg members cooperate to supportthe seat member over a surface; a handle assembly pivotally coupled tothe seat member frame of the support assembly, the handle assemblypivoting from a stowed position, in which the handle member is orientedgenerally aligned with the seating surface defined by the seat member,to a deployed position, in which the handle member is oriented generallyparallel to seating surface defined by the seat member.
 14. Thecollapsible cart of claim 13, wherein the handle assembly furthercomprises: a substantially U-shaped frame with a first arm, a second armspaced from the first arm, and an end arm connecting the first arm andthe second arm.
 15. The collapsible cart of claim 14, wherein the handleassembly further comprises: a support portion that is detachable fromthe first and second arms of the frame of the handle assembly andpivotable about the end arm of the frame of the handle assembly.
 16. Thecollapsible cart of claim 13, wherein the handle assembly furthercomprises: snap buttons that interact with the support assembly to lockthe handle assembly in the deployed position.
 17. The collapsible cartof claim 13, wherein the support assembly further comprises a seatbackmember including a frame and supporting material coupled to the frame.18. The collapsible cart of claim 17, wherein the seatback member frameis pivotable from a stowed position, in which the seatback member isoriented generally parallel to the seating surface defined by the seatmember, to a deployed position, in which the seatback member is orientednon-parallel to seating surface defined by the seat member.
 19. Thecollapsible cart of claim 18, wherein the seatback member frame ispivotally coupled to the seat member frame.
 20. A method of coupling awheel to a collapsible cart, the method comprising: (a) providing awheeled, collapsible cart including: a support assembly including: aseat member comprising a frame and supporting material coupled to theframe, wherein the seat member defines a seating surface configured tosupport an object, a first leg member pivotally coupled to the seatmember frame, the first leg member pivoting from a stowed position to adeployed position, a second leg member pivotally coupled to the seatmember frame, the first leg member pivoting from a stowed position to adeployed position; at least one coupling assembly including: a hollowaxle coupled to the second leg member, the hollow axle having adiameter, a distal end, a proximal end, a passage extending from thedistal end to the proximal end through the axle, and an apertureextending through the distal end, the aperture being perpendicular tothe passage, a tether threaded through the hollow axle, the tetherhaving a distal end and a proximal end, a pin coupled to the distal endof the tether and configured to be inserted into the aperture in thedistal end of the axle, a stop member coupled to the proximal end of thetether, the stop member being sized larger than the diameter of thehollow member; and a wheel rotatably coupleable to the at least onecoupling assembly; (b) rotatably coupling the wheel to the distal end ofthe hollow axle; (c) inserting the pin into the aperture on the distalend of the hollow axle; and (d) pulling the stop member and tetherthrough the proximal end of the hollow axle until the tether is taut.21. A cart comprising: a support assembly including: a seat membercomprising a frame and supporting material coupled to the frame, whereinthe seat member defines a seating surface configured to support anobject, a first leg member coupled to the seat member frame, and asecond leg member coupled to the seat member frame, the second legmember includes a first portion and a second portion laterally spacedfrom the first portion; an axle coupled to the first portion and secondportion of the second leg member, the axle extending from the firstportion to the second portion, the axle including a distal end and aproximal end, the distal end of the axle extending beyond the firstportion of the second leg member and the proximal end of the axleextending beyond the second portion of the second leg member, the distalend of the axle includes a first aperture and a second aperturelaterally spaced from the first aperture; a resilient member disposedwithin the axle and at least partially extending through the firstaperture and the second aperture on the distal end of the axle; and atleast one wheel rotatably coupleable to the distal end of the axlebetween the first aperture and the second aperture.
 22. The cart ofclaim 21, wherein the first leg member and second leg member arepivotally coupled to the seat member frame
 23. The cart of claim 22,wherein the first leg member and second leg member are pivotable from astowed position to a deployed position, wherein, in the deployedposition, the first and second leg members cooperate to support the seatmember over a surface.
 24. The cart of claim 21, wherein the proximalend of the axle includes a first aperture and a second aperturelaterally spaced from the first axle.
 25. The cart of claim 24, whereinthe resilient member is a first resilient member and further comprising:a second resilient member is disposed within the axle and at leastpartially extending through the first aperture and the second apertureof the proximal end of the axle.
 26. The cart of claim 24, wherein atleast one wheel is a first wheel and further comprising: a second wheelrotatably coupleable to the proximal end of the axle between the firstaperture and the second aperture of the proximal end of the axle. 27.The cart of claim 25, wherein the first and second resilient members aresnap buttons.
 28. The cart of claim 21, further comprising a firstbearing and a second bearing, the first and second bearings coupleableto the wheel.
 29. A cart comprising: a support assembly including: aseat member comprising a frame and supporting material coupled to theframe, wherein the seat member defines a seating surface configured tosupport an object, a first leg member coupled to the seat member frame,and a second leg member coupled to the seat member frame, the first andsecond leg members cooperate to support the seat member over a surface;at least one connector including a first end, a second end, and anaperture, the first end of the connector coupled to the first legmember; and a handle assembly having a first end and a second end, thesecond end being pivotally coupled to the at least one connector, thehandle assembly pivoting from a deployed position, in which the firstend is positioned away from the seat member, to a stowed position, inwhich the first end is positioned proximate to the seat member, thehandle assembly including at least one resilient member that extendsinto the aperture of the at least one connector when the handle assemblyis in the deployed position.
 30. The cart of claim 29, wherein thehandle assembly pivots about the second end of the at least oneconnector.
 31. The cart of claim 30, wherein the aperture of the atleast one connector is disposed on the at least one connector at alocation between the first end and the second end.
 32. The cart of claim29, wherein the handle assembly pivots about a location on the at leastone connector between the first end and the second end.
 33. The cart ofclaim 32, wherein the aperture of the at least one connector is disposedon the at least one connector at the second end.
 34. The cart of claim33, further comprising: a reinforcement bracket disposed on the at leastone connector.
 35. The cart of claim 29, wherein the first leg memberand second leg member are pivotally coupled to the seat member frame 36.The cart of claim 35, wherein the first leg member and second leg memberare pivotable from a stowed position to a deployed position, wherein, inthe deployed position, the first and second leg members cooperate tosupport the seat member over a surface.
 37. The cart of claim 29,wherein the at least one connector is a first connector and furthercomprising: a second connector, the first connector and the secondconnector are laterally spaced from one another on the first leg member.38. The cart of claim 29, wherein the at least one connector is U shapedwith the arms of the U forming the second end of the at least oneconnector.
 39. The cart of claim 29, wherein the resilient member is asnap button.
 40. The cart of claim 29, wherein the handle assemblyfurther comprises: a substantially U-shaped frame with a first arm, asecond arm spaced from the first arm, and an end arm connecting thefirst arm and the second arm.
 41. The cart of claim 40, wherein thehandle assembly further comprises: a support portion that is detachablefrom the first and second arms of the frame of the handle assembly andpivotable about the end arm of the frame of the handle assembly.
 42. Thecart of claim 41, wherein the aperture of at least one connector isdisposed on the at least one connector at a location between the firstend and second end.
 43. A cart comprising: a support assembly including:a seat member comprising a frame and supporting material coupled to theframe, wherein the seat member defines a seating surface configured tosupport an object, a first leg member coupled to the seat member frame,and a second leg member coupled to the seat member frame, the second legmember includes a first portion and a second portion laterally spacedfrom the first portion; at least one axle slidingly coupled to the firstportion of the second leg member, the axle including a distal end and aproximal end, the axle slidingly repositionable between a deployedposition and a stored position, where in the deployed position theproximal end of the axle is positioned adjacent to the first portion ofthe second leg member, and in the stored position the distal end of theaxle is positioned adjacent to the first portion of the second legmember; and at least one wheel rotatably coupleable to the distal end ofthe axle when the axle is positioned in the deployed position.
 44. Thecart of claim 43, wherein the first leg member and second leg member arepivotally coupled to the seat member frame
 45. The cart of claim 44,wherein the first leg member and second leg member are pivotable from astowed position to a deployed position, wherein, in the deployedposition, the first and second leg members cooperate to support the seatmember over a surface.
 46. The cart of claim 43, wherein the firstportion of the second leg member further comprises: an aperture.
 47. Thecart of claim 46, wherein the axle is slidingly engaged to the firstportion of the second leg member through the aperture.
 48. The cart ofclaim 43, wherein the axle further comprises: a first opening in thedistal end of the axle and a second opening in the proximal end of theaxle.
 49. The cart of claim 48, wherein the axle further comprises: aresilient member disposed within the axle and at least partiallyextending through the first opening the distal end of the axle.
 50. Thecart of claim 49, wherein the resilient member is a snap button.
 51. Thecart of claim 48, wherein the axle further comprises: a bolt disposedthrough the second opening in the proximal end of the axle.
 52. The cartof claim 51, further comprising: a handle assembly having asubstantially U-shaped frame with a first arm, a second arm spaced fromthe first arm, and an end arm connecting the first arm and the secondarm, the handle assembly being pivotally coupled to the supportassembly, the handle assembly pivoting from a deployed position, inwhich the end arm is positioned away from the support assembly, to astowed position, in which the end arm is positioned proximate to thesupport assembly.
 53. The cart of claim 52, wherein the handle assemblyfurther comprises: a support portion that is detachable from the firstand second arms of the frame of the handle assembly and pivotable aboutthe end arm of the frame of the handle assembly.
 54. The cart of claim43, further comprising: a housing coupled to the first portion andsecond portion of the second leg member, the housing including an atleast partially enclosed channel.
 55. The cart of claim 54, wherein theaxle is slidingly engaged within the channel of the housing proximate tothe first portion of the second leg member.
 56. The cart of claim 55,wherein the axle further comprises: a first opening in the distal end ofthe axle, a second opening in the proximal end of the axle.
 57. The cartof claim 56, wherein the axle further comprises: a first member, whichis resilient, disposed within the axle and at least partially extendingthrough the first opening the distal end of the axle; a second memberdisposed within the axle and at least partially extending though thesecond opening of the axle; and a bolt which intersects the housingbetween the first member and second member and maintains the axle insliding engagement within the housing.
 58. The cart of claim 57, whereinthe axle further comprises: a third opening disposed on the axlesbetween the distal and proximal ends of the axle.
 59. The cart of claim58, wherein the axle further comprises: a third member, which isresilient, disposed within the axle and at least partially extendingthough the third opening of the axle, wherein actuation of the thirdmember enables the axle to be slidingly repositioned between thedeployed position and the stored position.
 60. The cart of claim 59,wherein the resilient members are snap buttons.
 61. The cart of claim60, further comprising: a handle assembly having a substantiallyU-shaped frame with a first arm, a second arm spaced from the first arm,and an end arm connecting the first arm and the second arm, the handleassembly being pivotally coupled to the support assembly, the handleassembly pivoting from a deployed position, in which the end arm ispositioned away from the support assembly, to a stowed position, inwhich the end arm is positioned proximate to the support assembly. 62.The cart of claim 61, wherein the handle assembly further comprises: asupport portion that is pivotable about the end arm of the frame of thehandle assembly.
 63. A cart comprising: a support assembly including: aseat member comprising a frame and supporting material coupled to theframe, wherein the seat member defines a seating surface configured tosupport an object, a first leg member coupled to the seat member frame,and a second leg member coupled to the seat member frame, the first andsecond leg members cooperate to support the seat member over a surface;at least one connector including a first end and a second end, the firstend of the connector coupled to the first leg member; a handle assemblyhaving a substantially U-shaped frame with a first arm, a second armspaced from the first arm, and an end arm connecting the first arm andthe second arm, the handle assembly being pivotally coupled to the atleast one connector, the handle assembly pivoting from a deployedposition, in which the end arm is positioned away from the supportassembly, to a stowed position, in which the end arm is positionedproximate to the support assembly; and a support portion that isdetachable from the first and second arms of the frame of the handleassembly and pivotable about the end arm of the frame of the handleassembly.
 64. A cart comprising: a support assembly including: a seatmember comprising a frame and supporting material coupled to the frame,wherein the seat member defines a seating surface configured to supportan object, a first leg member coupled to the seat member frame, and asecond leg member coupled to the seat member frame, the first and secondleg members cooperate to support the seat member over a surface; atleast one connector including a first end, a second end, and anaperture, the first end of the connector coupled to the first legmember; a handle assembly having a substantially U-shaped frame with afirst arm, a second arm spaced from the first arm, and an end armconnecting the first arm and the second arm, the handle assembly beingpivotally coupled to the at least one connector, the handle assemblypivoting from a deployed position, in which the end arm is positionedaway from the support assembly, to a stowed position, in which the endarm is positioned proximate to the support assembly, the handle assemblyincluding at least one resilient member that extends into the apertureof the at least one connector when the handle assembly is in thedeployed position; and a support portion that is pivotable about the endarm of the frame of the handle assembly.